ZOLTAN Gera is a doubt for Albion's Boxing Day trip to Manchester United after being withdrawn from last night's reserveteam game.

ZOLTAN Gera is a doubt for Albion's Boxing Day trip to Manchester United after being withdrawn from last night's reserveteam game.

The midfielder was pulled out of Albion's second-string clash against Manchester City as a precaution after feeling stiff during yesterday's training session.

It was hoped he would play some part at Old Trafford next Monday, but his chances will have diminished, especially as he has had only 45 minutes of reserve-team action since his return from a groin injury.

But Albion assistant boss Nigel Pearson remained confident the Hungarian playmaker would play some part during the festive programme.

"This is not a serious setback," said Pearson. "Zoltan was just a bit stiff after training so we pulled him out. Our target will still be one of the games over the Christmas period, which has always been the case."